Study regarding the effect of calendula officinalis cream in healing of pressure sores

Background and Pressure sore is common among patients with prolonged stay in hospitals or homes. Treatment of such sores is costly and performed by various procedures. Considering the effective role of calendula officinalis in treatment of sores, ulcers and cutaneous inflammations, this study is conducted to determine the effect of this cream in healing pressure sores. This is a pre/post comparative clinical trial done on 20 patients with pressure sores who received the recommended treatment. The condition of patients such as, duration of pressure sore, and the extent of the sore were recorded. The sore was washed with normal saline, dried, followed by applying calendula cream three times a day for a duration of 4 weeks. Each week, the extent and rate of healing was observed and recorded. The rate of healing in patients under our study was 56.6%. Majority (55%) of patients had partial healing. The time of healing was in weeks 3.5±1.2 (P<0.001). The complete healing occurred in the 3rd and 4th week, subsequent to the beginning of the treatment. Considering the availability of the cream and its affordability, it can be used in the treatment of pressure sores. In addition, it can be used as a drug for treatment of patients who are in hospitals and/or in their homes.